Just how durable are the Mark VII bags?

Indiana Whit · Post by **Indiana Whit** » Sun Nov 02, 2008 8:16 pm

I'm considering getting a real Mark VII bag, and while I have a respect for historical items such as this, I'm also one who would like to use it if I were to get one, and I don't slouch on caring for my belongings (I have a 50+ year old telescope in original leather case as well as a leather WWII era bag that I don't let anything happen to)...

but I'm wondering if the state of the canvas and stitching on most of these bags is cause for concern.

SO I'm asking anyone who actually owns and uses one on a day to day basis if the real deal has struck them as particularly fragile or not. Sure, 60+ year old canvas is probably not the sturdiest material, but will it actually hold up if you're caring for it and not loading it full of bricks and slamming it into walls?

I'd also consider possibly using it on digs in the future, and I'm wondering if it's large enough to contain my 20 oz rock hammer/chisel.

I suppose I'd use it until the moment it showed signs of trouble, then in that case switch to a reproduction.

knibs7 · Post by **knibs7** » Sun Nov 02, 2008 8:24 pm

i have beaten the snot out of mine and it hasn't been damaged at all ;-)

NIBS

Indiana Whit · Post by **Indiana Whit** » Sun Nov 02, 2008 8:30 pm

haha nice

I saw some on e-bay for around $50...unless there's a more reputable source (WPG maybe?)

RichardSK · Post by **RichardSK** » Sun Nov 02, 2008 10:43 pm

The bag holds up very well; the strap webbing that holds the rings on is what wears out. Buy two, one to use and one keep for nostalgia's sake. I have also kept one of the original straps to replace the ring holders as they wear out. Your local tailor can replace it easily enough.

Cammer · Post by **Cammer** » Sun Nov 02, 2008 10:43 pm

I have three of them and I would not hesitate to use any of them for daily use. One of them I use daily as I detailed in another thread.

Despite being 65 years old I would venture to say that they are still just as durable as most of the repro bags out there. You just can't get good canvas and heavy thread like they used on these anymore.

If you keep it dry and relatively clean, don't abuse it, take care of it, it should last you for years of routine daily use. But I wouldn't haul rocks in it, and heavy tools might wear a spot on the canvas.

As RichardSK said, the only weak spot is where the ring attaches. But that is easily fixable if it should tear out. That is the only spot that I have heard anyone having trouble.

Indiana Whit · Post by **Indiana Whit** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 6:38 am

Good to know, thanks!

As far as WPG goes, keeping SA in mind I'm wondering if I should request a lighter color as their site says you can do. Or maybe I'll just go the e-bay route... haha

Forrestal · Post by **Forrestal** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 10:36 am

I have had 1943 MkVI for about nine years. “It takes a lickn’ and keeps on tickn’”.
Apparently they built them better back then.
Regards,
Forrestal

IndyGeek78 · Post by **IndyGeek78** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 11:02 am

Ive had my MK VII for only a few months. It is stamped with 1942 inside so its rather old. Ive had to replace the loops that hold the ring which in turn hold the straps but Id say it is a rather durable little bag. I use it everyday at work at is has'n even got a scratch on it. Do yourself a favour and try and hunt down an original. Im sure as you know things this old were built to last unlike many of todays items